Playing It Down

Particularly eye-catching was the mirror-work embellishment that was paired beautifully with Malhotra’s favourite: custom-created zari work from Kashmir. In keeping with the collection’s Rajasthani and Kutch influences,Malhotra juxtaposed deep green,fuschia pink,royal blue and mustard yellow in a clever play of colour blocking. Limited use of embellishment meant the focus remained on the silhouettes.

We especially liked the introduction of newer concepts,such as the ghagra pants and the koti tops (boleros). While the former is a fusion of the sharara and the classic pant,the top is Malhotra’s take on the traditional Rajasthani vest silhouette; at the show,he teamed them with saris and ghagras. Other silhouettes for women included anarkalis,ghagras,tunics,jackets and palazzos.

Menswear chiefly comprised kurtas,dhotis,bandhgalas and churidars. All in all,this collection — crafted in silk,chiffon,georgette,velvet and net — threw up interesting options for pre- and post-wedding celebrations. While his clothes on the ramp were understated,his Bollywood fan brigade was represented by the likes of Karan Johar,Kajol,Karisma Kapoor,Lara Dutta and Shabana Azmi,among others. This was one show where the star power outshone the embroidery on the ramp.